Enhanced network security is becoming ever more important for oil and gas operators as technological developments potentially leave critical functions more vulnerable to compromise.

Integrated communications specialist Arrowdawn has completed a significant offshore upgrade project that has bolstered system security, safety and efficiency for an operator – and is helping shape a new trend in system protection.

Aberdeen-based Arrowdawn undertook the 18-month project to upgrade the process control network (PCN) in a field more than 100 miles north-east of Aberdeen.

The key area of the project centred upon the installation of two firewalls at the heart of the system to address issues arising from the increasing use in industry generally of commercial information technologies for communications in process control and industrial manufacturing systems.

The use of such technologies has resulted in Supervisory Controls and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems and PCNs becoming less isolated from other corporate networks, consequently increasing the security risks involved.

Arrowdawn Managing Director Gordon Adie says: “PCNs have traditionally remained totally isolated from other business networks and, as a critical function within an organisation, that has served its purpose from a security perspective.

“But as industry and technology have moved on, and systems become controlled and administered remotely, so the security drivers have changed.

“PCNs have to retain the highest levels of security and the firewall system that now sits at the heart of the wider network means that that can be maintained to a high degree of assurance and confidence for the client.”

The two Cisco firewalls operate in a resilient manner as they generate a failsafe, back-up service.

Arrowdawn’s approach reflects good practice as set out by the National Infrastructure Security Co-ordination Centre in its guide on firewall deployment for SCADA and PCNs.

Following an analysis of security practices, the guide authors state: “In general, architectures that allow the establishment of a demilitarised zone between the enterprise network and the SCADA/PCN network will provide the most effective security solution.”

Arrowdawn is presently undertaking a new phase of upgrade work on the system, and Gordon Adie says: “We have had very good feedback on the project from our client, who has been quick to recognise the value of sustaining and enhancing security in an ever-changing technological environment.

“Our previous experience and knowledge of delivering services in the offshore environment, allied to our expertise in Cisco products, was also a key asset for us. “We have already elicited interest from other operators who want to explore this security route.

“Further, it has the potential to allow us to broaden our portfolio beyond our core business in oil & gas into other industries, such as manufacturing, which are very process driven and which work to the same operational principles.”